Gray's Spring

This lovely picnic area was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

 

 

The view in Winter is amazing!  Have you heard the old saying, "Can't see the forest for the trees".

Well, that's a good reason to hike in Winter!  ;-)  This view is still gorgeous when the leaves are on the trees, but, my goodness, look at those Ozark Mountains in early February!

 

The CCC did amazing rock work, didn't they?

 

While it's a pretty rough climb down to this little picnic spot

 

it's certainly worth the time to visit and pause for just a moment

 

before heading on down the road.

 

Gray's Spring is located on White Rock Mountain Road off Arkansas Scenic Highway 23, AKA The Pig Trail.

 

;-)  -Marci

Announcing The Winner!! {February}

<a href="http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/p/great-blog-train.html" rel="”nofollow”" target="_blank"><img alt=" Great Blog Train" src="http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/AngieOuelletteTower/My%20Blog%20Stuff/BlogTrainNewest300_zpse83d52e1.jpg" /></a>

The 26th GREAT BLOG TRAIN was a blast! - We all safely reached our destination: Myrtle Beach, SOUTH CAROLINA. It was a wonderful trip with 41 boxcars!! We (the Engineers) would like to thank all of you for travelling with us and we hope that you all had a wonderful time!
 

The Giveaway Winner: M.D. (I have contacted the winner by email)
Congrats!!!

 

W   A   N   T   E   D  :

(Being a "Destination Cohost" means that you get to pick our next destination!!  It also means that you will post The Great Blog Train on your blog on the first Wednesday of whatever month you will be cohosting (1 different cohost per month).  We (the engineers or hosts) will provide you with the html code for the blog hop & for the Giveaway - all you will have to do is add into that post some information on the destination that you picked (like population, known for, location etc - basic family friendly facts) and add a few pictures.  Also, if you cohost we ask that you promote it on your social media sites) (We are now scheduling for May 2015).

If you are interested in being a Destination Co-host for the Great Blog Train then please click HERE and fill out the form (THANK YOU!!)


We are now featuring the top 3 Boxcars!  (These are the links that received the most clicks)

Building Our Pool by "Fabulous Farm Living"

17 Things We Don't Pay For by "My Overflowing Cup"


Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake by "Katherines Corner"

Please join us for the MARCH Great Blog Train

on March 4th, 2015!

Sign up to receive emails about The Great Blog Train

Gardening News, February Harvest

One of my 20 Wishes for 2015, Number 15 to be exact, is

 

Harvest something edible from either the green house or garden 10 months of the year

 

Some months, this will be easy, other months, not so much!  

 

A few of my herbs spend winter in a south facing window.  This is not ideal growing conditions, as they grow very slowly in the limited sunlight.  It does get them through the winter though and you might get a small harvest here and there. 

 

This basil hangs out in a west facing window behind an antique bed.

 

 

It was snipped and added to some comforting Vegetable Beef Soup on a snowy February day!  What a treat!  Fresh basil in winter, straight from my garden window!

 

Snow peas, lettuce and spinach are doing well in my greenhouse.  Hopefully, they will continue to grow even though we have snow and very cold temperatures!  I need to get some seeds started soon.  Spring Planting Time in Arkansas is around mid-April which is only 8 weeks away!  Thank goodness!

 

Are you ready for gardening season?

 

;-)  -Marci

LINK PARTY!! Tuesdays with a Twist

Are you ready for a fun party?  We're your co-hosts:
 

Mary @ Back to the Basics

 Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

Angie @ God's Growing Garden

 Debra @ Ms Smoozy's

Deb @ Kneaded Creations
 

Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being featured.  Be sure to check all of our blogs!

 
 Y'all make choosing features so difficult!  There were GOBS of great links last week!  Thank you!  My feature... 

(drum roll please)

How pretty is this Flower Felt Notebook Cover

from Teresa at Keeping It Real!  Isn't this just the perfect gift for girls?!  I want one!  ;-)  There is green felt in my stash.  Maybe one can be whipped together this weekend.  Who's ready for Spring?

 

If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.

We all love comments!  Please hop around and show some love!

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!

*Pictures should be your own* 

By linking up you give us permission to use these photos

 (with proper link backs) in our features. 

And now for the party!

;-)  -Marci 
 

Quote from a Coaching Legend

Handsome Husband is a big fan of Dean Smith, the basketball coach.  With his recent passing there has been lots about him in the news.  Handsome Husband was reading an article to me and both of us were struck by this quote from Dean Smith.

  

My photo was taken at Mount Magazine State Park, quote added.

 

"You should never be proud of doing the right thing. You should just do the right thing."

What's your favorite quote?

;-)  -Marci

Princess Seams - Yikes!

You might remember my post Ooh La La... Learning French Seams where a lovely soul, Linda, asked if I were interested in sewing classes.  (To read my entire geeky response, just click HERE.  I am such a goober.)  So far, she has not issued a restraining order against me!  ;-)  This post is about my second class with her.

 

So, THIS BOOK is part of my Twenty Wishes for 2015, but I don't exactly know what I am doing.  LOL!  I specifically asked Linda for a class on how to fit a bodice.  Choosing the Audrey dress from Famous Frocks, we worked for three hours, with Linda teaching me how to measure my torso about a million different ways and then writing all over the paper pattern pieces.  Oooh!  Say that three times fast.  Paper Pattern Pieces.  Paper Pattern Pieces.  Paper Pattern Pieces.  Whew!  I had never sewn princess seams before and was pretty intimidated.  If they don't fit perfectly, they just look awful.  YIKES!  I am so very grateful to Linda for scheduling this class just for me.  Interestingly, two other gals signed up and we all had a great time!

 

Most of the class was spent measuring and writing.  Once the muslin was cut and sewn (get this, I couldn't believe it)) the bodice fit perfectly on the first try!  THE FIRST TRY!  Thank you, Linda!

 

 

It may not look like much, but seeing the fit made me feel like I had climbed Mount Everest!  What a victory!  It fit on The First Try!

 

The actual dress is coming along nicely!  I can't wait for you to see it!

 

What have been learning and/or teaching?

 

;-)  -Marci

Right Outside my Window



In a south facing window, herbs spend the winter inside.

 

On one of our recent snow days, I noticed something red right outside my window.  A sleeping male cardinal with his feathers puffed against the cold.

 

He is resting on a crape myrtle branch that sits among mahonia bushes.  I guess our house and the evergreen leaves offered some protection.

 

I hope you are having a warm and colorful winter!  What are you seeing right outside your windows?

 

;-)  Marci

White Rock Mountain Road

 

From Arkansas Scenic Highway 23 AKA The Pig Trail, turn east on White Rock Mountain Road for some rugged beauty.  These pictures were snapped in early February.

 

The bridge at Turner Bend.

 

Bee Bluffs.

All these photos were taken from the car.

If your vehicle can handle the road and your heart can handle the beauty,

make a point to visit The Natural State.

Y'all come see us!

 

;-)  -Marci

A New Twist on an Old Favorite - Cranberry, Almond and White Chocolate Oatmeal

On cold mornings, nothing warms me up quite like hot cereal.  I love them all.  Oatmeal, grits, quinoa, rice.  They are warm and yummy and comforting!

 

Recently while throwing together some oatmeal fixings for the morning, you'll never guess what fell out of my cabinet.  (OK, you might guess.)  White Chocolate Chips.  Yep!  White chocolate chips left over from this Scrumptious Treat just fell out of my cabinet right next to the measuring cup.  My bowl already had cranberries it, so why not add some white chocolate?  Why not, indeed!

 

Mmmmm... 

 

  

Cranberry, Almond and White Chocolate Oatmeal
Recipe:
 

1/3 cup Quaker Old Fashioned Oats

About 1/6 cup slivered almonds

About 1/6 cup white chocolate chips

1/3 cup dried cranberries

2/3 cup water

1 teaspoon butter

 

Stir.  Zap in microwave for 2 1/2 minutes on high.  Let cool slightly.  Enjoy!  Since I don't like things overly sweet, no sugar was added.  There was plenty of sweetness for me from the cranberries and white chocolate.

 

What recipes have been falling out of your cabinet?

 

;-)  -Marci

LINK PARTY! Tuesdays with a Twist #98

Are you ready for a fun party?  We're your co-hosts:
 

Mary @ Back to the Basics

 Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

Angie @ God's Growing Garden

 Debra @ Ms Smoozy's

Deb @ Kneaded Creations
 

Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being featured.  Be sure to check all of our blogs!

 
 Y'all make choosing features so difficult!  There were GOBS of great links last week!  Thank you!  My feature... 

(drum roll please)

DIY Kissy-Lips Love Notes

from Shaylee Ann at After the Manner of Happiness!  What a fun way to send sweet nothings to your sweetie!

If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.

We all love comments!  Please hop around and show some love!

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!

*Pictures should be your own* 

By linking up you give us permission to use these photos

 (with proper link backs) in our features. 

And now for the party!

;-)  -Marci 
 

 

Book Review: Famous Frocks The Little Black Dress

by Dolin Bliss O'Shea

 

 

 

Photo Source

 

Partial Synopsis from Dubray Books:  Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly...Each of these women had an influential take on the most classic wardrobe staple of all: the Little Black Dress. In this chic sewing book, patternmaker Dolin Bliss O'Shea pulls inspiration from famous LBDs throughout history, including Mary Quant's mod mini, a classic wrap dress worn by Liza Minelli, Princess Diana's smart A-line and more, and offers patterns for reinterpreted versions that are perfectly stylish.

 

My Thoughts:  I love this book!  Not only are there patterns for the ten dresses, you also get lots of tips and ideas about how to mix and match the bodices with the skirts.  AND the dress patterns can easily be modified to just make a top or just make a skirt!  I know, right?  You might remember one of my Twenty Wishes is to sew at least one version of all ten dresses.  After all those SEW OUR STASH posts last year, I really think I can do it!  Yes, I've already begun and can't wait to show the results!

 

What are your favorite craft or sewing books?

 

;-)  -Marci



Enjoying the View

We recently visited Mount Magazine State Park and stayed at their Lodge.

 





 

It sits on the edge of a bluff and overlooks Petit Jean River Valley and Blue Mountain Lake.

 

Do you know that Mount Magazine is the tallest point in Arkansas?

These photos were taken from our balcony.

 

We spent a lot of our time out there, just staring, enjoying the view.  The weekend we visited, the weather was absolutely perfect for hiking and being outside.



 

What state parks have you visited lately?

 

;-)  -Marci

To my Handsome Husband

Happy Valentine's Day!

;-)  -Marci

Sixth Grade Memories and a Quote

My favorite line from the third Hobbit movie, spoken by Thorin,

"There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”

 

(This is my photograph taken at Philbrook Museum, Tulsa in 2010 with quote added, of course.  The museum is lovely and their gardens are stunning.)
 

 My introduction to JRR Tolkein's writing was in sixth grade.  Our science teacher read The Hobbit  aloud at the end of class each day any time there were a few minutes left before the bell rang.  His copy was a scruffy paperback.  He read The Hobbit to all his classes and by the end of the school year, everyone had heard the entire book.  Any reference to JRR Tolkein always makes me think of my sixth grade science teacher!  ;-) 

Handsome Husband and I recently watched the last Hobbit Movie.  We've seen all of them.  My favorite character has to be the wizard with bunnies pulling his sled.  He has a bird nest under his hat and bird poop on his head.  He is so kind and sweet to all the animals.

Who is your favorite character?  Do you have a favorite quote from JRR Tolkein's  writing?

  ;-)  -Marci

LINK PARTY! Tuesdays with a Twist #97

Are you ready for a fun party?  We're your co-hosts:
 

Mary @ Back to the Basics

 Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

Angie @ God's Growing Garden

 Debra @ Ms Smoozy's

Deb @ Kneaded Creations
 

Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being featured.  Be sure to check all of our blogs!

 
 Y'all make choosing features so difficult!  There were GOBS of great links last week!  Thank you!  My features... 

(drum roll please)

100+ Whole Hearted Books

from Linda at The Reader and The Book featuring Jacqueline of “Deep Roots at Home. <http://www.deeprootsathome.com/>”

It is a wonderful list of age appropriate recommendations for children!  Check it out!  (library pun intended)

If you've been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.

We all love comments!  Please hop around and show some love!

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!

*Pictures should be your own* 

By linking up you give us permission to use these photos

 (with proper link backs) in our features. 

And now for the party!

;-)  -Marci 
 

Ooh La La... Learning French Seams

Not long ago, I walked into Joann's to purchase some fabric, having no idea something wonderful was about to happen!

 

A lovely tall woman was at the front door, passing out flyers for their classes.  She asked me if I would be interested in sewing classes.  SEWING CLASSES?!  Poor thing, I almost tackled her!  I've been looking for sewing classes!  How exciting!  Her name is Linda, and I really hope she doesn't get a restraining order against me!

 She asked what I wanted to learn first.  French Seams!  Linda told me that was taught in their pillow case class, and she created a class time just for me, right there, on the spot!  It was a great learning experience and four other sweet ladies took it with me!  One pillow case was made in class, and because I was excited and am a complete goober needed practice, I made a total of six pillow cases in one weekend!  ;-)     

 

These photos show two of them.  I can't quite decide which toss pillows I prefer with them.

 

 

Of course, my favorite decorative pillows are furry and have spots.  AND they mess up all the other pillows!  That's Ivan, the snuggliest little dog ever.

 

Teaser:  I've already taken another sewing class and can't wait to tell you about it!

 

What fun things have you been creating?

 

;-)  -Marci

Book Review: Arkansas Waterfalls Guidebook

by Tim Ernst
 

All my sweet readers know that I LOVE my home state.  Let me tell you about one of the reasons our nickname is The Natural State.  Our beautiful mountains are home to stunning waterfalls. 

 

 

PHOTO SOURCE

If you are not familiar with Tim's photography, click on THIS LINK.  He is incredibly talented!

 

Partial synopsis from Tim's Website :  ARKANSAS WATERFALLS GUIDEBOOK - Second Edition (first published 2011, updated in 2014 with NEW Newton Counry road #'s - every road was re-numbered by the county in 2014). This guidebook from Tim Ernst features all the info you need to find more than 200 spectacular waterfalls and cascades in "The Natural State."

 

My Thoughts:  We actually have the first edition that I purchased long ago and frequently reference after some wet weather.  If you live anywhere near Arkansas, this book is an absolute *MUST* for your library!  We enjoy hiking, so we appreciate Tim's directions with the trails as well as the bushwhacks.  It's nice that he points out interesting rock formations and historical sites along the route.  Hiking isn't for everyone, of course, but don't worry.  You can still enjoy this book. Tim lists falls and cascades you can see from the road that you probably wouldn't notice when travelling at 55+ MPH!  I know, right?!  Just slow down a little, or park to snap a few photos!  I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the beauty of my home state!

 

Where is you favorite waterfall?

 

;-)  -Marci